Description
These Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookie Bars combine irresistible flavor with simple preparation. Rich cocoa and cream cheese frosting make them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk, in addition to the full egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring, liquid or gel, feel free to use less
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, distilled or white vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened but not starting to melt
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, be sure to use brick style
- 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sift if lumpy
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cream, whipping cream or table cream, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan or line it with parchment paper, allowing for overhang.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar to the butter mixture, beating until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until blended and smooth.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, using wax paper between your hands and the dough if needed.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and edges have pulled away slightly from the pan.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for a more vivid color without adding extra liquid.
Sift powdered sugar to ensure a smooth frosting texture.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg